Snapping Lines Through Grief and Grit: A Woman’s Rise in Commercial Construction

Pat Miller, owner of Blue Diamond Construction, has over 30 years of expertise in commercial carpentry and metal framing. An award-winning author of Kicking Karma's Ass, she inspires others with her resilience. She also hosts Behind the Blueprint and was recognized as an Outstanding Woman Builder in 2024. 

In today's conversation, she shares insights into the challenges of being a subcontractor, including coordination among trades and dealing with ineffective superintendents. Pat emphasizes the importance of clear communication and prefers working with contractors with whom she has an established relationship. She discusses her approach to coordination meetings, direct problem-solving with subcontractors, and meeting deadlines. On business development, Pat highlights networking, attending trade conventions, and leveraging relationships with non-competing professionals. She also shares her journey of building and rebuilding her business, overcoming personal loss, and maintaining resilience. 

HIGHLIGHTS

[01:08] Pat's Business Background 

[03:48] Structuring Coordination Meetings 

[06:55] Handling Subcontractors and Coordination Issues 

[09:38] Business Development and Networking 

[12:42] Effective Networking Strategies 

[28:00] Building and Rebuilding the Business 

[36:29] Overcoming Grief and Continuing the Business

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Kick-off with a structured meeting, then maintain direct communication instead of excessive formal meetings.

2. Tackle performance problems on-site first, giving a short window to improve before escalating.

3. Attend industry events and trade conventions with non-competing business contacts to maximize opportunities.

4. Adapt to personal and professional challenges by focusing on rebuilding, networking, and avoiding family business conflicts.

5. Women in construction should assert themselves, prove their capabilities, and pursue opportunities despite biases.

 

RESOURCES

Connect with Pat Miller: 

Website: patmiller.net

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patricia-pat-miller

Company: bluediamondconstructionnj.com/

Book: KICKING Karma's Ass: Unbelievable Stories of Strength, Resilience, and Perseverance, All Told with a Twist of Humor

 

 

Resources to Help You Win in Construction

📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com

☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-mi